The Educational Value of Modelling Complex Thermodynamic Systems with System Dynamics Software

The solution of problems involving complex thermodynamic systems often occupies much of a students\u27 time and can be a distraction from them developing a clear understanding of system components, interaction of subsystems, modelling simplifications and assumptions, and design optimization. Refocusing students on the fundamental concepts of thermal systems design and analysis is possible with the introduction of system modelling software that carries some of the load of repetitive calculation required for complex systems. Models of thermodynamic systems encountered in an advanced undergraduate thermodynamics course were developed by students (some provided to students) to solve homework problems of complex steam power plants, internal combustion engines, gas turbine power plants, refrigeration, and building energy systems. Computer modelling systems used included two commercial modelling programs, an open source program, and systems developed by the authors. Use of the modelling software forced students to setup problems in the same way as if solved on paper but allowed them to identify common components and processes that could be modeled by common blocks and used in multiple thermal systems. One example presented is a simple process block that gives the state for any location in a converging/diverging supersonic nozzle with a normal shock. The initial implementation has resulted in positive feedback from students and an improved self-efficacy in understanding and modelling complex thermodynamic systems not presented in class

More carrot than stick: Encouraging computer programming in thermal design projects

Students will do almost anything to avoid using thermal-property tables. In this paper, Matlab-based thermal-property software is described as an enticement for students to do computer programming in the design of thermal systems. Downloaded shareware was used for steam properties in a steam-cycle project, and an air-property package was developed for use with a gas-turbine project. Although the use of computer programming required considerable effort by both instructor and students, most students did gain a better appreciation of the utility of writing computer programs as part of engineering design. Student evaluations of the course were not significantly affected compared to semesters in which computer programming was not encouraged

The combustion engine as a mechatronic object in mechanical technology undergraduate curriculum

Internal combustion engines, ICE, have evolved to mechatronic systems. They consist of thermodynamic processes, electromechanic, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, electronic sensors and one or more digital control units. This paper is aimed at presenting the modern combustion engines from a Mechatronics perspective to be taken into account in the course on Mechatronics in the “Mechanical Technology curriculum” at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. The Laboratory of Mechatronics is under development and the course methodology seeks to use some machines, among which the internal combustion engine is listed. It is described the broad concept of mechatronics, the composition of modern ICE engines; two engine test benche sdeveloped as teaching tools for testing and control of ICE are presented

The combustion engine as a mechatronic object in mechanical technology undergraduate curriculum

Internal combustion engines, ICE, have evolved to mechatronic systems. They consist of thermodynamic processes, electromechanic, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, electronic sensors and one or more digital control units. This paper is aimed at presenting the modern combustion engines from a Mechatronics perspective to be taken into account in the course on Mechatronics in the “Mechanical Technology curriculum” at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. The Laboratory of Mechatronics is under development and the course methodology seeks to use some machines, among which the internal combustion engine is listed. It is described the broad concept of mechatronics, the composition of modern ICE engines; two engine test benche sdeveloped as teaching tools for testing and control of ICE are presented

2023 Projects Day Booklet

https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/projects-day/1002/thumbnail.jp

National Educators' Workshop: Update 1991. Standard Experiments in Engineering Materials Science and Technology

Given here is a collection of experiments presented and demonstrated at the National Educators' Workshop: Update 91, held at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on November 12-14, 1991. The experiments related to the nature and properties of engineering materials and provided information to assist in teaching about materials in the education community

Verifying the frequency ratios in the musical scale of just intonation with "hear-and-see" learning tools

In engineering colleges, Acoustics often includes the musical scale topic, which is not very popular with most engineering students. In order to face this situation, this paper presents two alternative or complementary “hear-and-see” learning tools for the musical scale of just intonation. The first one combines the hearing of musical notes from an electric organ with the display on an oscilloscope from which the frequency ratios are inferred. Alternatively, the frequencies are computed in advance on the basis of the theoretical frequency ratios, and an audio editor allows to hear the resulting notes, while the PC screen can display similar graphs to those on the oscilloscope.Postprint (author's final draft